Palestinian Factions Negotiate Broad Electoral Alliance in Cairo

Palestinian political factions are holding consultations in Cairo to form a broad electoral alliance for the legislative elections scheduled for November. The emerging bloc includes Nasser al-Qudwa's National Democratic Assembly, Mohammed Dahlan's Reform Current within Fatah, and the Islamist movements Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Palestinian sources cited by Al-Araby Al-Jadeed expect the alliance to be officially announced in the coming days, with work underway on a political platform and candidate selection.

Nasser al-Qudwa stated that the Cairo talks aim to establish a "national, non-factional" electoral list that includes independent figures and individuals from various political backgrounds. He confirmed that bilateral and multilateral meetings have taken place between representatives of the National Democratic Assembly, the Reform Current, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad, and that discussions are ongoing regarding the political program and list participants. Attendees at these meetings included al-Qudwa, Dahlan, Hamas politburo members Hussam Badran and Zaher Jabarin, and Islamic Jihad Secretary-General Ziad al-Nakhalah.

The finalization of the list and political statement is reportedly pending the position of Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti, who is currently imprisoned in Israel. Sources indicate Barghouti is not interested in heading the legislative election list, having previously expressed a desire to run for president. His stance, however, is not expected to impede the alliance's formation.

Earlier last month, various Palestinian factions and figures also discussed forming a broad national list in Cairo, which would have included the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, in addition to the groups now forming this new alliance. The Popular Front has not yet decided on its participation in the elections, and contacts between it and the "Alliance for Change and National Liberation" have reportedly ceased. This latter alliance comprises independent figures and political and popular entities, along with the Palestinian National Initiative movement and the "Palestinian People's Congress 14 Million."

Hamas confirmed its delegation, led by Hussam Badran, held meetings in Cairo with representatives from several Palestinian factions, including Islamic Jihad, the Fatah Reform Current, the Popular Front, the Democratic Front, and others. According to Hamas, these discussions covered the legislative and Palestinian National Council elections, as well as ways to end the internal Palestinian division and rebuild the Palestine Liberation Organization on democratic and participatory foundations. The participants affirmed their support for "free, fair, and transparent" elections and rejected appointment, exclusion, and unilateralism, agreeing to continue dialogue to form a joint Palestinian political vision.

These Palestinian consultations occur amid intense regional diplomatic and security activity in Cairo. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi recently met with CIA Director John Ratcliffe, discussing the Palestinian issue, Iran, Sudan, the Horn of Africa, and maritime security. Regarding the Palestinian file, Sisi emphasized the need to implement the second phase of the US plan, focusing on a Gaza ceasefire, aid delivery, and creating conditions for resuming the political path toward a two-state solution. The Palestinian Central Elections Committee has set the candidate registration period for the legislative elections from September 26 to October 7. Election rules stipulate candidacy only through closed lists, with no individual nominations allowed.